This year marks the 20th anniversary of National Veterinary Technician Week. In that short amount of time, the profession has evolved in several important ways, particularly in the areas of licensure, education, and job responsibilities. The people, too, have changed, as reflected in the profession’s current demographics. Though progress has been made, some struggles continue for technicians.

AVMA

Student chapters of the AVMA will each receive $7,000 this year and next, thanks to contributions from the AVMA, AVMA PLIT, and Student AVMA. The cash infusion is meant to bolster these organizations’ activities and show material support for veterinary students during a time when funding is getting harder to come by.

Issues

An unidentified disease may have sickened dozens of dogs and killed three in the Cincinnati and Akron areas, and Ohio state authorities asked that veterinarians report any possibly related illnesses. Clinical signs have included vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy, and some veterinarians have reported finding vasculitis.

Practice

The American Animal Hospital Association is requiring all its accredited hospitals to anesthetize and intubate patients undergoing any dental procedures, including dental cleanings. The move has the blessing of the American Veterinary Dental College.

Community

The 24th annual Merial–National Institutes of Health Veterinary Scholars Program culminated this past August with its symposium held at Michigan State University. Attendees heard from industry representatives, noted researchers, and award winners discussing their work.